World’s Biggest Ritual Begins at Prayagraj

Hyderabad: The biggest Hindu event in 144 years, the Maha Kumbh, starts on Monday, with saints and lakhs of eager devotees awaiting the first bathing ritual or Shahi Snan, at Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and the mystical Saraswati, at Prayagraj.

The Kumbh is celebrated on Paush (Pushya) Purnima once in every 12 years. The celebrations thuis are billed as Maha Kumbh — the Kumbh after completing a round of 12 such duodecennial celebrations — that occurs once in every 144 years.

The Uttar Pradesh government expects 35 crore people participating in the Maha Kumbh celebrations this year. A record 25 lakh people have taken the holy dip on Saturday, two days ahead of the formal start of the 45-day religious and cultural extravaganza.

The streets, makeshift pontoons will be filled with sadhus, congregation, pilgrims all making their way to the sangam.

The event is being organised on a massive scale, with digital advancements introduced to address challenges that arise with such large gatherings.

AI-powered security measures and thousands of CCTV cameras are in place to monitor crowds and help locate missing persons. “We’ve strengthened our systems this year. It should make a big difference,” said Shashikanth, a railway official overseeing arrangements.

Over 50,000 QR codes are being installed on electricity poles across the Maha Kumbh Mela area, spanning 25 sectors, to assist pilgrims in identifying their location and registering complaints related to electricity issues.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that the Maha Kumbh presented a significant opportunity for people to explore the spiritual and cultural heritage of the state as well as India.

Adityanath urged devotees to first offer khichdi to Baba Gorakhnath on Makar Sankranti and then participate in the Mahakumbh to experience its grandeur.

During the six major bathing days, including Makar Sankranti (January 14) and Mauni Amavasya (January 29), crowd numbers are expected to swell. Officials anticipate over four to five crore devotees for Mauni Amavasya alone.

On such days, VVIP protocols are suspended to prioritise pilgrims. "We ask VVIPs to visit on other days," said an organiser.

The infrastructure has also seen substantial upgrades. Thirty pontoon bridges have been built in and around the Sangam area for movement. Entry points to the city feature large gates to welcome devotees.

Billboards of Maha Kumbh are almost at every corner with images of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. As per reports, the Mela area has expanded by 25 per cent to 4,000 hectares, and the budget stands at around  Rs.7,000 crore.

Preparations for the event extend far beyond the riverbanks. Prayagraj’s walls have undergone beautification with paintings depicting religious symbols, yoga poses, and sadhus. Makeshift tents have been set up for visitors of all budgets.

Accommodation prices have soared. A basic three-star hotel now costs at least Rs.15,000 per night, while private tents range from Rs.30,000 to Rs.1 lakh on peak days. Those connected to religious groups, lodging options are often available through donations. People can make their bookings online.

The Union tourism ministry is also contributing to the event by setting up an Incredible India Pavilion. It spans 5,000 square feet and provides an immersive experience for foreign tourists, scholars, and photographers, offering insights into India’s cultural heritage and the Kumbh’s spiritual importance.

An extensive social media campaign has been launched to invite visitors to share their experiences with hashtags like #Mahakumbh2025.

Thirteen Akharas from various sects are part of this year’s Maha Kumbh. These Akharas are the core of the gathering and the main attraction of Kumbh beyond its religious reasons.

These holy men — the babas, sanyasis, and sadhus — draw the curiosity of visitors. Among them, the Naga Sadhus, known for their austere lives in Himalayan caves, are a major draw.

They lead the bathing rituals and are recognised by their ash-covered bodies. Aghori Babas, who perform rituals in cremation grounds, embody another unique aspect of asceticism.

Other groups like Ramanandis, who worship Lord Rama, and Udasins, followers of Guru Nanak Dev’s son Sri Chand, bring their own traditions and philosophies to the gathering.

Many are wary of the increasing media attention. “If the media wants to learn from us, they should first build a rapport, let us know something about them, and then they can ask their questions,” said one baba. Another sadhu voiced concerns about how the event is often portrayed.

“Media has made Kumbh about Hindu-Muslim narratives. Why is that the first question they ask? Kumbh is about spirituality, tapasya, and endurance. It’s a space for philosophy and seeking moksha, but all people ask provocative questions on religion,” he said.

Reaching the Sangam requires a boat ride from the river bank. Boaters like Appa Birein, who has been ferrying pilgrims for over five decades, play a vital role in this journey.

“My family has been doing this for generations. People call me Appa, and I’ve seen this tradition grow over the decades. The devotion is the same, though the rush has only increased. It is no joke when they say you can lose your brother in this mela," he shared.